Do you want to renovate your interior and don’t know what type of flooring you should put? Have you heard about vinyl flooring but don’t know if it’s the best option for you? Well, pay attention because, in this post, we will tell you everything about PVC flooring.
In recent years, more and more people have been talking about vinyl flooring as a new and modern type of floor covering. But are they as good as they say? How do they differ from classic laminate flooring and parquet?
Below we will summarise the main characteristics of PVC floors that must be considered when purchasing.
What is vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a plastic coating made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). The fact that it is a plastic material is often a bit scary as it is associated with hazardous materials for health. This is because, for the production of the first PVC floors, harmful plasticisers were used.
However, thanks to technological advances, today’s vinyl floors are entirely safe for health, which is why most reputable manufacturers prefer to subject their products to regular checks by external institutes to ensure that the product you receive from the client is of the best possible quality.
What format does it come in, and how is it installed?
Vinyl floors can be found in rolls, slats (flexible or more rigid, almost like those of a laminate floor) or tiles, square and other formats (mainly hexagonal), of different thicknesses and consistency.
As for the installation, this type of flooring is the most suitable if you want to renovate the flooring yourself without having to go to a professional.
And it is that depending on the format and the type of vinyl floor you choose, we can find different installation systems on the market, which make laying the new floor so easy that we can do it ourselves. Example: include click vinyl flooring, self-adhesive vinyl flooring, glue-down vinyl flooring and self- supporting vinyl flooring (the latter does not need glue or a click system, but thanks to its weight and its non-slip system, it remains fixed and immovable).
All types have the same technical characteristics and are incredibly easy to install. The most complicated is perhaps the vinyl floor to glue, for which you may need the help of a professional if you are not an expert handyman. The rest are perfect candidates for a DIY 🙂
Vinyl floors
In addition, with this type of flooring, you will not need to do work at home for any of these installation methods since, in general, they can be placed on existing pavements and surfaces.
Where do I find it?
Although there are physical establishments in every city where you can take a look, if you don’t want to hit the streets, you can get informed and buy them comfortably from home by accessing specialised vinyl flooring websites, where you will find all kinds of models, you can request free samples, and you will have personalised advice to make a proper and satisfactory purchase and installation.
Advantages of vinyl flooring
The main advantage of vinyl floors over traditional floors is, without a doubt, the price. With this type of floor covering, you will save time and effort in the installation and money since it is the cheapest alternative.
On the other hand, its easy installation and the possibility of placing it on existing floors, avoiding unnecessary work, also wins points compared to other floors.
Another of the strengths of this product that its users value most is its ability to be installed in the bathroom and kitchen or in any other room where there is humidity since it does not spoil and prevents the appearance of fungi and bacteria.
This way, you won’t have to worry if any liquid spills while cooking, allowing you to dedicate yourself to it with total peace of mind and enjoy yourself while you do it.
Another of its most important advantages, which also makes it the right floor for this type of room, is its non-slip properties. However, it is always recommended to read the manufacturer’s specifications carefully since each model differs.
In addition, a highly appreciated quality is the number of designs available, practically unlimited in terms of colours and imitation of various materials.
And last but not least, its ease of cleaning and carefree you from worries. Weekly cleaning with a damp cloth is usually enough to keep them in perfect condition, and not even exposure to the sun for many years can damage them.
Disadvantages of vinyl flooring
If we talk about the disadvantages, we must remember that you must have a completely smooth floor underneath for the most flexible and thinner formats (for example, roll formats). Otherwise, over time and footsteps, joints will notice.
You should also not have bumps or projections below (for example, if a lower tile is broken or uneven) since a level floor is needed.
On the other hand, in the more flexible formats, you will have to be careful with sharp surfaces (for example, very sharp heels or a knife falling vertically), as they can leave indentations.
In addition, for those who value the tread, the touch when stepping is not equal to that of wood, even though technology advances and they are increasingly achieved.
And finally, being a plastic product, if you buy a low-quality vinyl floor, it cannot be guaranteed that it meets all safety standards or that it does not contain phthalates, so it is always recommended that, since the price average of these floors is not very high, choose a quality one from renowned manufacturers such as Tarkett, Quick Step or Gerflor, to name a few examples.
Designs that adapt to all types of interior decoration
As we discussed earlier, one of the main advantages of vinyl flooring is that it can be found in unimaginable designs, textures and finishes. So if you are looking for a specific, original or simply suitable design for your home, office or premises, this is one of the ideal floors.
Some perfectly imitate wood and stone floors, but with all the properties, they do not have.
Within the wood imitations (generally the most demanded), you have them both in a slat version (wider or narrower depending on preference) and herringbone, as well as in all imaginable shades (from ash to walnut, passing through greyish tones or dark)
For those who prefer a more minimalist environment, there are plain designs on the market (not only in neutral tones but in all imaginable colours).
And since the hydraulic tile is still very current, you also have multiple designs in vinyl floors that imitate it without the hassle of re-tiling an entire room.
Decoration and interior design guides
Finally, you can create floor combinations to generate the most original and eye-catching visual effects, combining colours, formats or textures.
And for those who do not even want to renovate the floor but simply give a touch of design to a kitchen or a room, there are also vinyl rugs with ready-made formats and standard sizes that will allow you to add a touch of colour to the advantages of being anti-humidity and easy to clean. Cleaning characteristics of vinyl floors.
As you can see, with this type of floor, you can let your imagination run free and create the most original designs, from Scandinavian to vintage, industrial, retro, rustic, minimalist or classic.
In short, vinyl floors are a real revolution when dressing a floor and are increasingly in demand because they offer multiple benefits that most other floors cannot. Enjoy them!